Monday, April 29, 2019

4-29-2019 You-Turn


"But even now," declares the LORD, "return to me with all your heart- with fasting, crying, and mourning."

Tear your hearts, not your clothes. Return to the LORD your God. He is merciful and compassionate, patient, and always ready to forgive and to change his plans about disaster.

           Joel 2:12-13


Lord, I’m revisiting the moments before your crucifixion and resurrection. Yes, I know that moment in time, the most amazing moment so far, is past. Your work on the cross and your act of restoration for your creation is completed. I get that.

But there are still things you ask me to learn from that moment. Some of those things include the very language I just used, drawn out of your Word, to instruct me in just how I am to follow. The words that convict me today are “revisit” and “restore”, both can be described by another word used extensively in the text: 

Repent. 

I confess that I used to get defensive when I read that you request repentance of me. “I have repented; you are my Lord,” I would say. But you have led me to realize there are two very different definitions in your inspired text; each suggesting two very different options for me to choose from when I repent.

The first choice is not a bad one at all: In the Old Testament, it is frequently translated from the word Nâcham: To literally sigh as in feeling sorry, having remorse―As in your reaction, Father God, to the condition of mankind prior to the flood. I too can sigh and feel bad. I fully understand this emotion.
The other word of old that is translated “repent” is shûb, which is an act of returning or turning around. It suggests “restoration” of something that once was―As when in Genesis, Jacob/Israel requested at his death that his children return him to the land you had promised to give him. I have more difficulty with this definition, Lord. It speaks of a change of behavior and attitude, an actual intentional turning, not simply a feeling of remorse that can be later forgotten.
The realization that repentance might be more than regret led me on another questioning journey: Are there also two definitions in the New Testament? Do they mirror the context spoken of before you appeared as the God/Man?
Why would I doubt that you addressed repentance while you dwelt in the flesh! One example of many is when you, Jesus, were taken into custody to be tried and crucified. When Judas realized in what his betrayal would result, the Greek translation says he was “Metamellomai”: regretful after the fact; sorrow-filled. But other than trying to give back the 30 pieces of silver, there was no action on his part of turning around to correct his behavior.
I contrast this with what you asked the people to do when you first appeared in the flesh. “Repent, (metanoeō), for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Metanoeō means to think differently, afterwards; to turn around and act in a new manner.
 As my wife and I prepare to revisit the Land and to share its amazing heritage with others, I’m convicted to ask, which definition do you require me to adhere to? The answer I read about and hear spoken in my heart of hearts is…”Both”, but more specifically, “One, then the other.”
So Teacher, are you suggesting, I have done less in my life? Do you observe me more typically leaving things at the “sorrow-filled altar”; assuming you are satisfied with the offering of my guilty conscience? In fact, that response happens more than I care to admit when I reflect on my behavior, past, and present. Maybe as I prepare to revisit the restoration miracle of Israel, I first need to revisit my attitude and my acts to make sure they reflect your restoring action in me. After all, if Im only focused on my feelings, nothing really changes, does it? If you have changed me, then I should look changed. People should see it without my having to brag about it.
I pray that as we prepare to travel and minister, Lord, prepare us. Let your Spirit convict me toward a lifestyle that never denies you, never excuses your presence in my thoughts, words, and deeds. Encourage me to never cease openly celebrating the evidence of your redeeming acts in the world and in me. Cause in me a desire to invite and welcome others to repent, turning-around with, and alongside me. Strengthen our belief as we return to you, our Lord and Savior,
 ―It is so.

Mark C.

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